Cautious or paranoid?

[Pat-inCO]

I got a letter in today's mail asking me to take their opinion survey. They
included a user ID (firstname.lastname) and a "password" of whatever53.
They offered $5 for each survey I completed (they will send "information"
on subsequent surveys).

First thing that came to mind is: If I go to their web site, I have allowed
their code access to my computer, because they are then in the "allowed"
list for your firewall. Humm.
~ They can then search any where on your computer. :shock:
~ Depending on your settings, they can copy off anything they like. :shock: . :shock:
~ If you are stupid with your settings, they can write anything to your
hard drive they want. :shock: . :shock: . :shock:

Oh me, oh my! What will I ever do without that five dollars. :roll:

 

[GunnyGene]

I got a letter in today's mail asking me to take their opinion survey. They
included a user ID (firstname.lastname) and a "password" of whatever53.
They offered $5 for each survey I completed (they will send "information"
on subsequent surveys).

First thing that came to mind is: If I go to their web site, I have allowed
their code access to my computer, because they are then in the "allowed"
list for your firewall. Humm.
~ They can then search any where on your computer. :shock:
~ Depending on your settings, they can copy off anything they like. :shock: . :shock:
~ If you are stupid with your settings, they can write anything to your
hard drive they want. :shock: . :shock: . :shock:

Oh me, oh my! What will I ever do without that five dollars. :roll:

yeah, sounds perfectly legit to me. :roll: /sarc

 

[Salmoneye]

Yup...

You're paranoid...

If you're really that worried, boot your box with a Linux Live CD version, visit the site, and then reboot...

Voila...

Nothing to see...Nothing left on your drive...

 

[Kevin]

More than likely, they probably want your name and address in exchange for 5 bucks. Just like mail in rebates.

 

[Chief 101]

the 5 bucks is in the mail'

 

[Pat-inCO]

If you're really that worried, boot your box with a Linux Live CD version, visit the site, and then reboot...

Hadn't thought about the live CD. Since I'm running Linux it would be super
easy, but I think I'll just ignore it.

Since I have a USB with the latest Mint on it . . . . . . .
NAH! I'll just ignore them.

Won't do it this time, but next time I'll dig out the old Winderz box
and have some fun. . . . . . . Thanks

 

[Salmoneye]

If you're really that worried, boot your box with a Linux Live CD version, visit the site, and then reboot...

Hadn't thought about the live CD. Since I'm running Linux it would be super
easy, but I think I'll just ignore it.

Since I have a USB with the latest Mint on it . . . . . . .
NAH! I'll just ignore them.

Won't do it this time, but next time I'll dig out the old Winderz box
and have some fun. . . . . . . Thanks

I keep a couple of old laptops that were given to me, just for such occasions...

I don't care if they fry, so I 'live dangerously' with them from time to time...

 

[Colonialgirl]

I did a couple of those "surveys" and they did indeed mail me a $5.00 bill each time; As I recall they weren't political .

 

[Kanook]

Inside the Neilson TV envelope is $2, and if you do the survey they will send $4 more.

 

[Chief 101]

hopefully don't find my name on any of those lists...hopefully I will never need their payouts either.

 

[Pat-inCO]

Inside the Neilson TV envelope is $2, and if you do the survey they will send $4 more.

That brings up another item.

Neilson is a national survey company and the one sending me a letter is
supposedly from Colorado. When I use Google to look them up, I find only
ONE entry, their URL. With Neilson, the $2 in the letter tells you something
positive about the company.

As I said, what will I ever do without their $5? :shock: